York police seize $3M in illicit drugs, say they ‘toppled’ dark web trafficking network

CRIME York police seize $3M in illicit drugs, say they ‘toppled’ dark web trafficking network By Sean Previl Global News Posted September 22, 2026 10:41 am 3 min read View image in full screen Numerous drugs and luxury items seized by York Regional Police are displayed Sept. 22 after a months-long investigation. York Regional Police LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Five people are facing more than 80 charges after a months-long York Regional Police investigation into the distribution of controlled substances on the Dark Web led to the seizure of about $3 million worth of drugs. Dubbed “Project Ghostwire,” the investigation also saw an illegal firearm and more than $1 million worth of goods like luxury cars seized. “This investigation was two-fold following the physical distribution and trafficking of a high volume of illegal narcotics while navigating the shadows of a sophisticated and growing digital world that has no borders,” said York Regional Police Chief Paulo Da Silva. “The successful completion of Project Ghostwire reminds us that we must continue to be nimble and continue to innovate in the way we are investigating these crimes.” Launched in January 2026, police identified an online drug trafficking operation known as the “Icy White North.” STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT Det. Sgt. Stephen Beale told reporters Tuesday that the platform operated primarily through the Dark Web and other encrypted communication platforms. “The digital marketplace appeared to cater exclusively to Canadian customers and was linked to individuals residing in the GTA,” Beale said. “Icy White North,” according to online sources, showed the marketplace had received more than 9,000 positive reviews and had been operating since approximately 2022. Beale said online activity appeared to show the operation was seeing monthly revenues exceeding $100,000 and cumulative proceeds over the past four years potentially reaching in the millions of dollars. Get daily Montreal news Get daily Montreal news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. SIGN UP FOR DAILY MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. The vendor utilized a commercial-style model, Beale said, with drugs advertised through…